Our Masonic Charities.

hut half-a-croAvn a-year , this AVOUM realise an income of £ 3 , 125 , and the same being made imperative to each Charity , the inconsiderable sum of 10 s . a-year from each member AVOUM raise ; S 12 , 500 in the Avhole , placing each Charit y in a proud position . This sum should be paid in the annual subscri ption ; or

supposing the contribution Avas made quarterly , the halfa-eroAvu would not be felt by any , Avhile the Charities Avould each have a certain income ; at the same time voluntary effort could be exercised towards the most needy . I look on this as a certain and easy method of clearing the lists of candidates , and saving the

expenses of elections . Surely the subject is worthy of consideration , and mi ght well occupy the attention of Grand Lodge . I am truly and fraternally yours , P . M .

Freemasonry In The Mauritius.

FREEMASONRY IN THE MAURITIUS .

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR . SIR , —Many of your readers will probably be pleased to peruse the folloAving extract from a letter , dated August 2 nd , which I recently received from my valued friend and brother , the Rev . F . De la Mare , some of whose reports of Masonry in the Mauritius have

before been inserted in your columns . As the lodges there are deprived of many advantages Avhich we possess , OAving to their limited intercourse , their zeal , and the success consequent upon it , should stimulate us to greater efforts in the cause . I may add , however , that in England the Craft appears to be rapidly

increasing , not only in point of numbers , lrat in dignity and influence . During a tour I have lately taken for three months , I have made it a point to visit every lodge I could meet with , and my impression is very

favourable , as well m regard to the improvement in working as in other respects . I am , however , more convinced than ever of the desirability of taking measures to obtain uniformity of working , and to prevent individual brethren from making alterations to suit their own ideas . Having been frequently called upon

to assist , by taking office for an evening , the difficulties arising from this source have been very manifest , as I implicitl y follow the ritual of the Emulation Lodge of Instruction , even where I feel conscious of error in it . It appears to me that , instead of assuming the responsibility of making alterations , those who desire

change should combine to represent their cases to the authority before named Avith a vieAV to correction . I now proceed to give the extracts from the letter . Yours faithfully and fraternally ,

II . II . Jersey , Sept . 1-lth , 186-1 . " I am happy to tell you that we have lately had a most refreshing season in Masonry . The Lodge of Harmony has since I last Avrote to you held two

regular meetings and two of emergency . At these the several sections of the different degrees haA e been Avorked with a correctness and talent which Avould put to the blush many of our English lodges . The W . M ., who is most indefatigable , has delivered lectures which Avere listened to Avith

great interest . I assure you I felt very much edified , and I am led to hope that in proportion as Ave advance in the letter of Masonry , we shall also more and more understand and carry out its spirit , and that our Institution Avill be made subservient to the accomplishment of a great work in this colony . At the request of Bro . Ambrose , W . M ., I have read a short paper in French on the Divine origin of Masonry , Avith which .

though a very poor performance , the brethren appeared pleased . I gave it in that language for the benefit of members of the French lodges who kindly visit us . Of the Lodge of Harmony I may say that it is Avorking with zeal and unity , and hitherto it has met with very great success . Owing to unavoidable

circumstances , the Festival of St . John was kept on the 28 th of June . The Military Lodge , which takes the lead in the celebration , opened at 2 p . m ., and attended by the other lodges , proceeded , with banners flying , to the sound of music , and in regular procession to the cathedral , where Divine service Avas

performed by your humble friend . Thence A \ r e returned to the lodge-rooms , Avhen the installation of Bro . Jourdain was proceeded with . The ceremony was

conducted by Bro . Ambrose , W . M ., AVIIO , with his usual ability and energy , did it well . After the investment of the different officers , we adjourned from labour to refreshment , aud sat doAvn to a magnificent banquet . The good things on the table Avere soon discussed , after which the usual toasts were proposed ,

many of them very eloquently . The present W . M . is a very happy speaker , and being a gentleman of great experience in Masonry and a \ ery influential member of society , will be eminently successful in

this lodge . " The Triple Esperance has been feasting the public , having already given two soirees and a grand ball to the governor and his lady . The soirees Avere attended by about 400 persons , and the ball by about 700 . They thrcAV open their magnificent roomsbeautifully

, lighted , and a more splendid sight than that Avitnessed on the first night can scarcely be imagined , Avhen the Temple , neAvly decorated and most admirably and Masonically finished , Avas opened ; as the swelling crowds pressed in , voluntaries on the organ Avere played . A few songs Avere performed by professionals , and then

the ladies returned to the large hall to enjoy themselves in the dance . The ball given to the governor cannot be eclipsed . If you could have been present , you could scarcely have believed yourself in a young colony ; in fact , I think that in the Avhole Masonic Avorld , you will not find a more enlightened , liberal , and truly devoted set of Masons than in the Mauritius . "